High jobless rate for Arizona military members

Arizona’s National Guardsmen and reservists stand out amid the nation’s high unemployment rate.

Statistics show they suffer higher-than-average joblessness when they return home from international war zones.

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and other jurisdictions have designated this week as Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week.

It’s to raise awareness about high unemployment rates among military members returning from deployment.

The federal Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act is designed to prevent discrimination against military members after they return from service. But even with that law, servicemen are returning to uncertain job markets.

The Arizona Republic says they’ll be a job fair Sept. 29 for guardsmen and reservists, veterans, active-duty military members and their spouses. The event is expected to feature more than 100 employers.